by Melissa Reiss, Purchasing Assistant
This article was written in early April when us Wisconsinites were under Governor Tony Evers’ Safer At Home order. Given the nature of the COVID-19 pandemic, things were changing rapidly—it was difficult to imagine what it was going to be like come May. Since so many people have been spending considerably more time at home, here are some activities to help make the most of this time spent close to home.
DIY Skincare
Now is a great time to whip up some decadent, nourishing skin care products in your own kitchen. It’s been written about time and time again, but taking baths or spending just a couple minutes to soothe yourself with some aromatic potions can help lift spirits, brighten moods, and make you feel so fresh.
Exfoliate
When I think of making skin care at home, the first thing I think of is a scrub.
The most basic recipe is to mix together an exfoliant and a liquid. (See below for a list.) Take a few tablespoons of the exfoliant, then slowly add the liquid until it forms a paste. Experiment with a blend of liquids if you wish. Place your scrub in a clean jar with a tight-fitting lid.
• Exfoliants: finely ground coffee beans, finely ground sea salt, white sugar, brown sugar, finely ground oats
• Liquids: melted coconut oil, olive oil, jojoba oil, apricot oil, honey
• Optional: a few drops of an essential oil or essential oil blend, or a pinch of finely ground herbs from the garden, like mint, thyme, or rosemary.
One of my favorite combinations is coffee grounds plus coconut oil plus a touch of honey. Coffee not your thing? How does a lemon sugar scrub sound? Sugar (white or brown) plus apricot oil plus a few drops of lemon essential oil.
To use: Wet the skin with water, then use your fingertips to gently apply scrub to your body, focusing on rougher spots like knees and elbows. Avoid using on the delicate skin of the face and neck. Rub gently, and then rinse off. Use up to once or twice a week.
Note: if you are using an exfoliant that doesn’t dissolve in water (i.e., coffee grounds), it is best to use a drain catcher in the shower and toss the spent grounds into the trash or compost when done showering to avoid clogging the drain.
Moisturize
Are your hands super dry from all the extra hand-washing? If you are struggling to maintain your skin’s moisture, try reaching for oil first before lotion.
You only need a drop or two of oil on your hands, so your bottle of oil should last a while. The Co-op carries a range of oils meant for topical use. Avocado, jojoba, almond, grapeseed—look for them in the Health & Wellness departments. Often referred to as carrier oils, these are ready to use on their own, but since they have a light scent, they are also perfect for adding drops of an essential oil or two to create your own custom scent profile.
Here are some suggestions of combinations. Start with a couple drops each in about 2 oz. of carrier oil (listed above), and add more if desired. It’s important to note that any essential oil you use on your body needs to be diluted before applying to skin.
Try these combinations:
• German chamomile, wintergreen, clove bud, and lavender
• Sweet orange, frankincense, and cinnamon
• Eucalyptus and peppermint
• Rosemary, sweet orange, and grapefruit
Unlike other liquid oils that I mentioned, coconut oil is usually solid. I dig a little bit out, and melt it into my skin. Start small, then add more if needed. Perfect for after shaving legs or using a body scrub. Other solid moisturizers include shea butter and cocoa butter. These too are great to use for keeping dry skin at bay.
Magazines
Consider grabbing a magazine next time you’re shopping. A magazine is a great way to get some screen-free time, and perfect if you have a little break in your daily schedule. I like to sit with one when I have my coffee in the morning before work instead of scrolling on my phone aimlessly.
One of my current favorites is Taproot. The magazine touts itself as “inspiration or makers, doers, and dreamers,” and each issue is divided into three sections: Head, Hands, and Heart—creating a balance between think pieces, things to do with your hands (anywhere from making mustard at home to sewing and knitting pattern) and to heartwarming stories. Taproot is a submissions-based publication, so each issue is full of different voices.
For a good read that’s a little closer to home, Madison-based Umoja highlights “Positive news about our African-American community.” This monthly magazine has been in existence for nearly 30 years, making it the longest running African-American-owned magazine in Wisconsin. Umoja invites readers to get involved by submitting articles and photos, and also by volunteering.
You’ll also find a selection of food magazines with something for everyone: vegan, keto, gluten-free, and no dietary restrictions whatsoever. Pick one up; who knows, you may find your new favorite recipe with the added bonus of not having to navigate pop-up ads appearing from all directions on just about every food blog on the internet!